Bulgaria has a rich cultural heritage and a strongly developing economy where specialists in Bulgarian are needed. This programme provides the opportunity to gain excellent language skills and a profound knowledge of Bulgaria's literature, history and culture, combined with an in-depth understanding of the region of central and Eastern Europe.

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma, with between 28 credits awarded with Merit and a minimum of 18 credits awarded with Distinction in the Level 3 units, the remainder of the Level 3 units awarded with Merit.

D3,D3,M1 - D3,M1,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

AAB-ABB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher - AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher)

International applications

In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

UCL offers intensive one-year foundation courses to prepare international students for a variety of degree programmes at UCL.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.

English language requirements

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

Degree benefits

Gain a thorough grounding in the Bulgarian language and culture, supplemented by a choice of optional culture, history and social science courses. Spend your third year abroad.

UCL SSEES is the largest national centre in the UK for the study of central, Eastern and south-east Europe and Russia. The SSEES Library contains over 400,000 books, journals and film resources.

Students benefit from frequent visits and lectures by the most prominent, political, artistic and academic figures - prime ministers, foreign ministers, professors and writers.

Enjoy the huge benefits of studying in London, a global city with sizeable east European communities, and a host of cultural events with an east European dimension.

Degree structure

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual courses, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Courses are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional courses varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Your degree will train you to the highest level of proficiency in speaking, writing and understanding in your chosen language(s), whether you begin with no prior knowledge or already have a good command of the language. As you progress through the degree, compulsory language courses are tailored to your existing knowledge, and you also take compulsory courses on literature or culture.

You are encouraged to develop and pursue your own interests through choosing options from within three pathways:

Language and Literature

Social Science

History

Your third year is spent abroad, which not only brings the language and culture you are studying to life, but also strengthens your resourcefulness and self-reliance. You will normally spend this year studying at a university in your chosen country, but alternatives, such as work placements, may be possible.

Year Three

Final Year

Compulsory courses

Optional courses

You will select courses to the value of 3.0 credits from a wide range of options.

Your learning

Language teaching benefits from dedicated resources, including technological support through computer-aided language learning facilities, video and DVD materials, and the internet. The methods we will use to teach and assess you are varied, to ensure that they are best suited to the knowledge and skills being imparted or measured.

Assessment

Assessment will include written, oral and aural examinations, presentations, extended essays and the project you undertake during your year abroad.

Further Information

Careers

The programme is designed to equip you with language fluency, cultural competence, historical knowledge and social understanding. Your ability to consider issues from an international perspective will be greatly enhanced and you will learn how to conduct research and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

With developed skills in critical reasoning, independent thinking and application of theoretical concepts you will be strongly placed to find employment in international organisations, particularly careers which cross international boundaries and use languages. Career prospects are likely to include finance, media, diplomacy, education, translation, research, and consultancy.

*Data taken from the 'Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education' survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2010-2013 graduating cohorts six months after graduation and, where necessary, department records.

UCL is commited to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers, UCL Advances and other entrepreneur societies here: Careers and skills.

The Scholarships and Funding website has a comprehensive list of scholarships and funding schemes available for UCL students. These can be available for specific nationalities, regions, departments or open to all students.

Application and next steps

Your application

We will be particularly interested in your motivation for choosing this programme. In addition to academic requirements, you should demonstrate an aptitude for and interest in language study, and relate how your interest in Eastern Europe was initiated. Literature, history and culture are key elements of the degree, and your interest in and experience of these fields of study are important.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

If you are successful in obtaining an offer, you will normally be invited to an applicant open day, comprising introductory talks about UCL SSEES and your degree, and a tour of UCL. You will also meet with a member of the teaching staff for your chosen degree programme.